Introduction

In a surprising twist for Manchester United fans, midfielder Manuel Ugarte has unveiled that his teammates are left astonished by a key factor surrounding the appointment of Ruben Amorim as the new manager at Old Trafford. Following the sacking of Erik ten Hag, Amorim, currently the head coach of Sporting Lisbon, is set to officially take over on November 11, right before the international break. He has signed a contract that will keep him at the club until June 2027.

Interim Management

Until Amorim arrives, Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue as the interim manager, with the 39-year-old's debut match scheduled against Ipswich Town at Portman Road on November 24. Amorim's rise in management has been spectacular, having won two league titles with Sporting and gaining a reputation as a tactical mastermind.

Players' Reactions

Ugarte, who spent two fruitful years under Amorim at Sporting prior to his transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, highlighted that many players at United have already approached him with questions about their future boss. "What surprised them was his age," Ugarte shared with DAZN, indicating that Amorim's relatively young age—39—has raised eyebrows among the squad. However, Ugarte emphasized Amorim’s passionate desire to win, stating, "He’s also very hungry to win, and that’s very important. I can tell he’ll enjoy it.”

Need for Patience

Reflecting on the overall reaction within the squad, Ugarte remained optimistic. "It’s positive, mainly because the club needs to start building a path, which is important, and the coach will be key to that," he affirmed. Though optimistic about Amorim's capabilities, Ugarte has urged Manchester United fans to temper their expectations initially. He acknowledged the disappointment among Sporting fans regarding Amorim's departure, which is completely understandable given the success he achieved there. "It’s good for United; we have to take advantage of it and get him to convey his ideas as quickly as possible," he remarked.

Challenges Ahead

Ugarte pointed out that the transition wouldn't be instantaneous. “I think it’s going to be a different dynamic, and the day-to-day will be similar to Sporting’s. The league, the country, the football… It’s a big challenge for him, but we all know he has the ability." Before taking charge of United, Amorim still has two critical matches with Sporting, including a high-stakes Champions League clash against Manchester City and a local league match against Braga. Following that, he will finally embark on his new journey with games against Bodo/Glimt, Everton, and Arsenal looming on the horizon.

Future Prospects

Meanwhile, Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has been serving as interim manager, has expressed a desire to stay at the club, focusing solely on its success despite previously seeking a managerial role. Additionally, United appears to be eyeing Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres as a potential target under Amorim, with reports suggesting that his transition could be a thrilling time for squad transformations and strategic reinventions at Old Trafford.

Conclusion

Stay tuned as more developments unfold regarding Amorim’s arrival and the impact he may have on the storied institution of Manchester United!